Friends Creek Conservation Area in Cisco, IL
- Three nature trails wind through the site
- Two pavilions
- Hiking, picnic areas and a playground
- Fishing available at Clinton Lake, located 8 miles north of Friends Creek. The lake receives stockings of walleye, hybrid striped bass, blue catfish, and crappie. Additional Lake Information: Bowfishing is allowed on certain areas of the lake. All IDNR ramps are now equipped with wheelchair accessible boat docks.
- Map of Friends Creek Conservation Area
- Map of Conservation Areas
- Historic Bethel School
- Campground and Camping
Friend’s Creek is located at 13734 Friends Creek Park Road Cisco, IL 61830 [get directions].
Friend’s Creek GPS Coordinates are 40.029688 N, 88.783892 W.
Friends Creek Conservation Area provides a variety of diverse habitats. This 621-acre site features two branches of Friends Creek, open meadows and tall-grass prairie.
Things to Do at Friends Creek Conservation Area
Camp at Friends Creek
Take a break from it all without breaking your wallet by camping at Friends Creek Conservation Area. Pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars or hook up your camper to one of the electric sites. Friends Creek Campground is a quiet place to relax, explore nature, and spend time with family and friends. Open May 3 – October 31, 2024.
Campground includes 30 and 50 amp electric sites, showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.
Daily fees for sites are as follows: $25 for 30 amp service and $30 for 50 amp service. A large group campsite is also available for $25 per night for up to 25 people, and $1 per night for each additional person up to 60 people. All reservations have a $5.00 service fee per site, per reservation.
- Complete campground information and rules.
- Minimum 2-night stay for holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Juneteenth, and Forth of July).
Friends Creek Campground’s GPS Coordinates are 40.029688 N, 88.781583 W [get directions]
Picnicking
Friends Creek features a beautiful picnic area with tables, grills, and a playground with two pavilions. To reserve a pavilion, call 217-423-7708.
Hiking Trails
Three nature trails provide great hiking through the area. Follow the Friends Creek Trail for a short, self-guided walk along the creek near the picnic area. The Sun Trail threads its way through floodplain, oak-hickory forest, and across the rolling hillside of a large meadow. For a walk through cool, shade-filled woods, try the Woodland Trail.
Historic Bethel School
Historic Bethel School, built around 1890 is a one-room schoolhouse, restored to its status as a community focal point. At Bethel School, you’ll learn a bit about the early history of Macon County. Educational programs are offered to local schools in the spring and fall. Free, monthly open houses, held the first Saturday of each month May through October from 1:00-4:00 pm, are open to the public.
Upcoming Events at Friends Creek
Programs
Naturalists are available to provide public programs such as interpretive hikes, aquatic studies, astronomy adventures, and historical tours. Call 217-423-7708 for more information.